Dog walks, pubs, hotels and more to explore this summer

There’s still time to make the most of this year’s summer and enjoy a fantastic staycation with your dog.

Everyone’s excited to get out and about again and more than ever, it’s your pet’s turn to take the lead.

If you're considering a short break, a holiday or would just like to visit a good pub again, we've put together our own guide of some of the best dog-friendly pubs, hotels, walking trails and more for you to check out.

With ManyPets pet insurance, our comprehensive cover and unlimited, 24/7 online vet advice service lets you enjoy your days out without having to worry about your furry adventurer.

Dog-friendly beaches

Wells-next-the-Sea Beach, Norfolk

The Norfolk coastline offers a great location for a holiday or short break.

You'll find a number of dog-friendly sandy beaches across the coast and ManyPets's Head of People, Claire Wright recommends Wells-next- the-Sea Beach.

This beach is ideal for dogs and their owners and if you enter from the car park at the far end, there's a café that caters for dogs. Many of the beaches are best at low-tide so you should check time tides before setting out.

Highcliffe Castle and Beach, Dorset

Our Chief Commercial Officer, Charlotte Halkett says if you’re heading down to Dorset, you should pay a visit to Highcliffe Beach in Christchurch.

You can take a walk along the sandy beaches even at high tide and dogs are allowed on the beach all year round. When the weather is good you can even see views across the to the Isle of Wight.

The beach is next to Highcliffe Castle, which is currently closed. Dogs are allowed on the grounds but must be kept on a lead at all times.

Woolacombe Beach, North Devon

Woolacombe beach is a 3-mile dog-friendly beach in Devon with lovely sand dunes.

Dogs are allowed all year round but there are some restrictions during peak seasons and dog owners should check which parts of the beach they will have access to.

If you want to experience great coastal views try the circular walk between Woolacombe Beach and Baggy Point - it's highly recommended.

Weymouth Beach, Dorset

Dogs welcome all year round on Weymouth Beach within a specific area close to the Pavilion. The beach at Weymouth is sandy and with inviting shallow waters, dogs can explore and get their paws wet. There are plenty of cafés and restaurants to enjoy near the beach too.

Give your dog an ice cream treat

If you're out enjoying time on the beach with your dog, why not give them the perfect summer treat with a doggy ice cream.

Billy and Margot offer a range of fruity ice treats that are popular with dogs. They can be eaten straight from the tub and are great for cooling down your dogs on hot summer days.

Dog-friendly walks

Boscastle, Cornwall

Boscastle is one of the most picturesque seaside villages in Cornwall. You can try the Boscastle and Valency Valley Walk with your dog when you visit.

This walk explores the cliffs above Boscastle’s medieval harbour before heading inland across the Valency Valley and through peaceful woodland. It’s here that dogs can be let off the lead and given the chance to stretch their legs.

Kniver Edge, Staffordshire

Kniver Edge is on the border between Worcestershire and Staffordshire, and close to the town of Stourbridge in the West Midlands.

The woods and heath of Kinver Edge are a great place to enjoy with your dog. There are many miles of open country it's free to access all year.

You and your dog can walk the 3-mile Rock House Trail, which takes in heathland that’s filled with wildlife and leafy paths. Walkers are advised that dogs should stay on a lead as there are some areas of sensitive wildlife habitat.

Gibside Estate, Tyne and Wear

Gibside is a 17th Century estate in the North East of England, close to the city of Newcastle.

Dogs are welcome at Gibside and there are 15 miles of paths for dogs to roam and explore. The five and half mile Gibside Wonders of Nature Trail covers woodlands, meadows, wetland and riverbanks.

If you fancy a coffee and snack, dogs can join their owners at the Carriages House coffee shop at the stables.

To help make your visit more enjoyable, the estate offers a range of facilities that include: water bowls, spare dog leads, dog mess bags and bins.

Blackford Hill, Edinburgh

Edinburgh was this year voted the top UK location for dog-friendly holidays. A study carried out by the pet food company Tails.com found that Edinburgh was ideal for dog owners due to its green spaces, nearby beaches and accommodation options.

There's a good range of walks available in Edinburgh but we're recommending a walk to the top Blackford Hill, which will give you and your dog some of the best views of the city.

Dog-friendly campsites

Old Oaks, Somerset

Old Oaks welcomes campers and well-behaved dogs and has some great facilities on site for both.

Your dog will be truly spoilt when visiting Old Oaks. They have a number of dog services on-site, including a free local guide to dog-friendly dining and days out.

There's a 300-metre dog exercise area that is fenced and secure. It's a place where dogs can run freely and make new friends. The site has a dog shower with hot water and free shampoo and a dedicated washing machine and dryer for your dog bedding and blankets.

Setthorns Campsite, New Forest

There's plenty to keep your dogs entertained at Setthorns campsite. There's trails around the site your dog can explore and dog owners have access to the New Forest.

On arrival, dog owners are issued with a Dog Welcome Pack. This contains useful information on dog-friendly beaches, pubs and restaurants, local vet information and a treat for your canine companion.

Setthorns is one of a number of campsites around the New Forest that can provide a great setting for camping and exploring the local countryside with your dog.

The Meadows Campsite, Cornwall

The Meadows is a small but dog-friendly campsite in the Pentewan Valley near St Austell.

This campsite is a great base for exploring more of southern Cornwall and there are lots of good dog walks in the surrounding area.

The camp recommends that dog owners visit nearby beaches such as  Gorran Haven Beach, Vault Beach and Caerhays (aka Porthluney Cove).

This campsite is also close to the fishing village of Mevagissey close by along with the famous Eden Project.

Dog-friendly pubs

The Zetland Arms, Deal,  Kent

Our Events and Communications Lead Gaby says The Zetland Arms in Deal is a lovely pub, with dogs allowed in the bar and the seafront terrace.

The food is highly recommended, and with the pub located right on Kingsdown beach, there's the chance to enjoy a nice coastal walk with your dog.

The Old Glen House, Shipley, West Yorkshire

In 2016, this pub won a regional prize for its dedication to its dog customers. The pub received the DogBuddy, Dog-friendly Pub Award for Yorkshire.

Dogs can get free dog treats, bowls filled with water and dog beds.  The only place dogs aren't allowed is the dining room area.

If you fancy a nearby walk, you can try the Shipley Glen which includes a long stretch of moorland and is recommended by locals.

The Chequers, Marlow, Buckinghamshire

Rodney from our marketing team recommends one of his favourite local pubs. Located on the High Street of this market town. The Chequers is a great pub to visit for anyone who enjoys spending time around dogs.

You can sit down for a drink or pub lunch in the bar area where dogs are allowed. Staff will provide bowls of water and there are dogs treats available at the bar.

Once you've finished your drink or meal, you can head down to the river Thames, which is a short walk away from the main high street.

You can spend time in Higgerson Park or explore the riverside walking trail that leads up river towards the town of Henley-On-Thames.

The Muddy Oar at Riverside, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warwickshire

Situated on the banks of the River Avon, and a mile from the birth place of William Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon. The Muddy Oar welcomes all well-behaved dogs and their owners.

Rowley’s at the Prince of Wales pub, Baslow, Derbyshire

On the edge of the Chatsworth Estate in the Peak District, this restaurant and bar is dog-friendly and located in an area surrounded by brilliant walks.

We recommend the Baslow Edge to Curbar Gap route, which will reward you with spectacular views. This walk is around four miles long and should take between one and a half and two hours.

Richard I pub, Greenwich, London

Greenwich remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in London. Attractions include the Cutty Sark, The Royal Observatory and the National Maritime Museum.

Greenwich is also home to a busy town centre and it's here you'll find the Richard I pub. It's a short walk from Greenwich Park. Dogs are allowed everywhere in the pub including the restaurant area. The pub has a large back garden and is considered dog friendly.

The Jack and Jill Inn, Sussex

This pub is another recommended from Claire our Head of People at ManyPets. Located at the foot of the South Downs National Park near Clayton, West Sussex. This family run pub is popular with dog walkers, families and cyclists.

The pub takes its name from the famous 19th century Jack and Jill corn windmills that overlook the pub.

The pub is only eight miles from Brighton, which is considered one of the most dog-friendly cities in the UK.

The Crab and Boar, Chieveley, Berkshire

Heidi our Social Media Manager describes The Crab and Boar as a lush pub with hotel rooms and is dog-friendly and the food is delicious.

Each room is described as distinctly pet-inclusive and dog-friendly and the location of the pub gives dog owners the chance to explore the Berkshire countryside.

Dog-friendly hotels

Another Place, The Lake, Penrith Cumbria

The hotel is located on 18 acres of land that lead down to the shores of Ullswater in the Lake District.

Dogs are welcome to join guests while you eat, sit by the fire in the library or relax on the terrace overlooking the lake.

Ullswater is the second largest lake in the Lake District and is perhaps not as well known as Windermere but with fewer people around, you and your dog will have the trails to yourself.

Double rooms start from £180 night, with space for two dogs at £15 a night for the first dog. £5 a night for the second.

The Peakcock at Rowsley, Matlock, Derbyshire

This Peak District hotel was built in 1652 and has been a hotel since the 1830s. It has 15 unique bedrooms. Each room within the historic hotel has been individually styled and features antique furnishings, comfortable beds and luxury fabrics

Dogs are treated to biscuits at turn-down and towels for drying off and near by walks will let you see and experience the best of the Derbyshire Countryside.

Double room from £135 per night. Dogs £10 per night max 2.

The Cat, Near East Grinstead, West Sussex

The cat is 16 century pub and hotel, with four guest bedrooms. There’s a dog-friendly garden, plus biscuits and towels for muddy paws.

The Old Vicarage, Moylegrove, Pembrokshire

If you’re heading out to the west coast of Wales, the Old Vicarage is worth a visit. It's located on the North Pembrokeshire coastline in the picturesque village of Moylegrove.

You'll find dog-friendly beaches and walks right on your doorstep and there are little towns that are also accommodating of dogs.

Shepherds hut for 2 from £90 per night. Dogs £15 per stay, max 2.

Feeling inspired and want to explore somewhere new this summer? Why not take part in our World Big Dog Walking Challenge.